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Volleyball18/06/2016

Goncharova and Russia remain a tough nut to crack

Russia claimed second victory without a set loss

Bari, Italy, June 18, 2016 - Goncharova, top scorer of the match with 23 points, led Marichev's Russia to a 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-13) win over a young Thailand who did show off all their fighting spirit on the court, however up to this tough task.

Russia has never lost to Thailand in World Grand Prix and this match was not different. The Asian team have only played more matches against Brazil (11) at the World Grand Prix without ever winning than versus Russia. Goncharova proved yet again to be a fire cracker of Russian team, taking another best scorer title. An impressive scoring Ajcharaporn (14 points), who turns 21 today, was the trump card of the Asian team.

Russia stormed in the match, pursuing its strong game and working on increasing the lead at 8-3 and 11-4, but Thailand didn't give up, working back to close the gap to 14-10. Russians called a time out when Thai made it to 17-15, but powerful offensive play of Goncharova save the set 25-22.

The second set saw the Thai commanding lead up to the score at 16-14 before the Russian comeback turning in their favour. A great block performance from Zarvazhko helped Russia close out the set at 25-22.

Russia went back on the lead in the beginning of the third set making it 11-5 in no time. The team remained a tough nut to crack for Thailand as Europeans worked their way up to finish the set at 25-13.